Tips to Get Back on a School Routine

Video Transcript

Kids actually thrive when theyhave a regular routine.It helps them predict what'sgoing to happen in a worldwhere they don't havea lot of say.And it also helps them organizetheir time so they know whatactivity isappropriate for certain periodsof the day.

So how do you get your childon a routine?First, decide what's important.Getting ready for school,bathtime, and dinnerare all critical partsof your child's day.Set aside a realistic amountof time for those tasks.Then make room for downtimelike play, reading, or relaxing.

Most kids will do better if youalert them to a changein activity ahead of time.Give them a heads up whenplaytime is over or bedtimeis coming up.You can set timers that the kidscan watch and hear.

Most important, be consistent.If your routine regularly fallsapart, it creates chaos.And lax routines can even causeanxiety in children.So even if they beg to stay upa little longer,stick with the program.Sure, it's OK to be flexiblesometimes.But what you wantis for your routinesto eventually become old habit.For WebMD, Dr. Arefa Cassoobhoy.